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Modern Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program Custom-Fit for Patients

January 26, 2018

Jan. 26, 2018 – For more than 25 years, the Southeast Georgia Health System
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program has been helping patients improve their heart and lung function, physical
stamina and overall health. Recently, the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
department received a makeover, reflecting the modern, high-quality care
the program provides to its participants.

Southeast Georgia Health System invites the community to attend the Open
House celebration on Friday, Feb. 2, from 12 to 2 p.m., with the Ribbon
Cutting at noon. Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation is located at 2415 Parkwood
Dr., on the first floor of the Brunswick Campus. The drop-in event will
feature tours of the Rehabilitation facility as well as offer an opportunity
to meet physicians and other medical professionals and learn about the
cardiopulmonary health care services available.

The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program is a three-phase program that
includes monitored exercise and wellness and is individualized to meet
the specific needs and abilities of each participant. Currently, there
are a total of 150 individuals participating in the program, according
to Valory Peeples, MBA, RRT, director, Cardiopulmonary Services, “We
offer multiple time schedules, but as participation increased, there were
often more attendees than equipment or space.”

When one of the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation patients noted that he often
did not have adequate room to stretch before or after his exercises, he
spoke with the cardiopulmonary team and the Health System Foundation about
making an anonymous donation specifically for the department. After assessing
the renovation needs for the stretching area, the cardiopulmonary team
offered additional suggestions for improvements. Between the funds previously
received from other rehabilitation patients and the new donation, there
were enough resources to complete everything on the cardiopulmonary team’s
wish list.

“The new layout has really improved the functionality of the space
and allows more patients to participate in the program,” says Peeples.
“Our patients have more room to complete their rehabilitation, and
the staff can perform their jobs better.”

Responding to Patients’ Needs It only took about two months from when the updates were first proposed
to have the funding secured and designs drawn up, and less than six months
to complete the renovations. The additional space includes a dedicated
stretching area, and more space for free weight exercises. New cabinet
storage, wall mounted balance bars, mirrors, furniture, flooring, countertops,
and lighting were added. Improvements were also made to the locker rooms,
reception office, classroom and main lobby.

“Now every aspect of our facility has been modernized, and is geared
toward providing the best patient experience possible,” says Teresa
Glaude, R.N., BSN, team leader, Cardiology. “We’re dedicated
to giving our patients every tool they need to improve their health.”

Response from the patients has been tremendous. “The new facility
is beautiful,” says Mary Stewart, who just finished Phase II of
the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program, and is planning to continue
with Phase III. “The layout of the room is much better and there’s
more space to exercise.”

The Health System’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is certified by
the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation are generally covered by most insurance
companies, but physician referral and copayments may be required. For
more information about the Health System’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation’s
exercise, lifestyle education and support services available, please call
912-466-1100.